Miscellaneous
In this episode, Daryl Devonish and Taryn Lipschitz speak with Ian Mackenzie and Kevin Shier from TOP Sports on the Return of the Multi-Sport Athlete. Ian and Kevin share their journey through sports and how it led them to develop a different multisport academy model focused on creating an environment where competition is a mindset. They are focused on helping athletes set goals and hold themselves accountable to accomplish those goals.Hear the discussion on:Why kids should play multi-sportsHow the structure benefits the schedule for the whole familyWhy the focus on kids learning physical literacy Ian and Kevin share insight on the TOP Sports 4 pillars that they focus their programming around:Quality practice over quantity of games Consistent manageable schedule with cut-offs for each sport High-quality coaching that uses sports as a medium to teach athletes to be good people Multi-sport play where the benefits of the training help foster a long term athleteCheck out TOP Sports at www.topsports.ca or find them on social media:Instagram: @topsports.to Facebook: @TopsportsTorontoTwitter: @TOPsportsTOIan grew up in Toronto, playing every sport he could get involved in. In high school, he played golf, hockey, soccer, baseball, volleyball, and rugby, and credits who he is today to these experiences. While attending Wilfrid Laurier University, Ian began teaching skating lessons privately, sparking a passion for coaching and mentoring youth. Before TOP Sports, Ian was the co-owner of SDH Hockey Experience and has devoted the last 10 years of his life to youth sports, with a particular focus on age-appropriate development and character building. Ian continues to play as many sports as he can as an adult, including men’s league ice hockey, golf, and ball hockey. Kevin grew up in Toronto, playing hockey, football, baseball, and rugby. Kevin is a self-proclaimed “late bloomer”, hitting his athletic potential in his teenage years which led him to an OJHL Championship where he was named MVP, and a scholarship to play Division1 hockey at Union College. After returning home, Kevin attended Ryerson University and briefly ran Shier Hockey Performance before moving over to TOP, helping to create the program. Kevin remains active as an athlete to this day, playing men’s league hockey multiple times a week, ball hockey, tennis, and golf. Kevin and Ian came together over their shared belief in the benefits of multisport play, character building through sport, and evolving youth development practices. They have built TOP Sports from 26 athletes to over 500, and from only offering one sport, to offering four in just over three years. They are driven by a love for what they do and a desire to make a change and offer something different to youth athletes.Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life. Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information.